Israeli government lawyers defended the military operation in Rafah as "limited and localized" at the International Court of Justice, opposing South Africa's petition to halt the ground assault. The operation has led to mass evacuations and intensified bombardment, with over 630,000 people fleeing the area. South Africa accuses Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, seeking an emergency order to prevent civilian harm in Rafah. Israel refutes the genocide accusation, emphasizing efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid and protect civilians. The court's decision on South Africa's request is pending. Israeli leaders argue that invading Rafah is necessary to topple Hamas's rule, but international criticism, including from the Biden administration, has intensified. Israeli officials reject the court's potential micromanagement of the conflict and emphasize ongoing efforts to address alleged wartime misconduct. Human rights groups question the credibility of Israeli military investigations into potential violations. Israeli officials accuse South Africa of acting as a "legal arm" of Hamas.